Rev. Francis X. DiLorenzo dies at 75

RICHMOND, Va. -- The Most Rev. Francis X. DiLorenzo, the Bishop of Richmond, has passed away.

"With great sadness, I announce The Most Rev. Francis X. DiLorenzo, Bishop of Richmond, died at St. Mary’s Hospital, late last night. He was 75," the Catholic Diocese of Richmond announced Friday morning. "He was a faithful servant of the Church for 49 years and a Shepherd of the Diocese of Richmond for 13 years."

The Diocese asked the community to pray for DiLorenzo, his friends, and family.

Sen. Tim Kaine released a statement on DiLorenzo's passing:

“Anne and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bishop DiLorenzo. The Richmond Diocese has been our family’s spiritual home for over three decades, and I remember vividly seeing the Bishop installed at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart 13 years ago. He pledged then to meet as many parishioners as he could, and he kept his promise, making himself familiar to Catholics throughout Virginia and as a friend to our family. As we remember his thoughtfulness, conviction, and sense of humor, we pray.”